Origin of Soccer in Bilbao and Biscay

Overview of the tour in Bilbao

During the last quarter of the 19th century, Bilbao and many surrounding towns on both sides of the Nervión estuary underwent an unprecedented process of economic, social, political, demographic and cultural change that forever altered its physiognomy. The origin of all these transformations can be found in the Second Industrial Revolution, which meant the arrival of British workers in the mines and factories of the area and, with them, of a game in which two 'teams' composed of eleven people had to push a rubber ball behind a 'goal' line.

These were the first manifestations of soccer in the area, a then unknown game that in just a few decades would become a true mass phenomenon. During this time, there were factors that helped to consolidate this sport among the Biscayan population, such as the massive arrival of Spanish immigrants or the achievements of the workers' movement and socialism, but there were also opinions against its diffusion coming, for example, from the embryonic Basque nationalism.

Our Guides

Miguel

On arrival

The meeting point will be outside the restaurant Peña Athletic del Casco Viejo, located in C/Pelota, nº 7, in the Casco Viejo of Bilbao.

Using public transport, you can get to the Casco Viejo stop (Metro L1, L2 and L3) or the Ribera stop (Tram)

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.